Overhead track anchor system

ABSTRACT

A head component for an anchor assembly for mounting a load bearing track to a hanger component attached to an overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure),  
     said track comprising a rail element and a mounting element, said mounting element comprising one or more retaining formations, each retaining formation defining a holding cavity and an (cavity) opening communicating with the holding cavity, said holding cavity being sized larger than the (cavity) opening communicating therewith,  
     the head component comprising a support member and a flarable member, said flarable member being attached to and flarable from said support member,  
     said head component being sized and configured such that said head component is able to pass through said (cavity) opening into said holding cavity wherein the flarable member is able to flare (i.e. to open or spread) outwardly so as to present a flared formation in the holding cavity sized larger than the cavity opening so as to inhibit withdrawal of the head component in the holding cavity back through the (cavity) opening.

[0001] The present invention relates to mechanisms for the fixation ofsupport runners, tracks, rails and the like to an overhead structure andin particular for the for fixation of runners, tracks, rails and thelike for lifting and transferring loads. The overhead structure may forexample be the ceiling in room, corridor and the like of buildings suchas hospitals, residential and long-term care centers, residentialcustodial care facilities as well as private homes.

[0002] Overhead support and displacement structures are known, forexample, for lifting and transferring loads as well as for maintainingfixtures such as lighting devices in place (for the latter please seeU.S. Pat. No. 5,653,412).

[0003] Overhead handling systems are, in particular, known for liftingand transferring people. Such systems may comprise a trolley componentand an overhead track component for guiding the trolley along apredetermined path. A trolley component may take on any suitable (known)form which allows it to be supported by and glide along a trackcomponent, i.e. such that a trolley component may be moved manuallyalong the track or may be so moved by providing a suitable motorisedtrolley displacement system; please also see for example U.S. Pat. No.6,085,368 which relates to a winch for such a person handling system(the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference).Overhead track components are also known wherein a track is eitherdirectly bolted or otherwise fixed to the ceiling of a room. Thefasteners for an overhead track component may, for example, be anextruded latch bracket such as is disclosed in GB 2216857. They arebuilt in the runner and used frequently with bolting components. In anycase such fasteners are bolted in some manner to the ceiling supportstructure

[0004] There is a continuing need to have relatively easily installableoverhead track structures for supporting a person and in particular fora track support structure which can be used to raise, displace and lowera (e.g. incapacitated) person e.g. displace a person between a bed orchair and a bath area etc.; such support structures may be needed inmany environments such as in private homes, hospitals, rehabilitationcentres, group homes for the aged, etc.

[0005] Accordingly it would be advantageous to have an attachment meansor mechanism by which an overhead track support may be relatively easyto install. It would also be advantageous to have such a mechanism whichwould facilitate the removal of the track once initially set in place.It would be further advantageous to have an attachment means which couldbe used to provide an an esthetic attachment of a track to a ceiling.

[0006] Although the anchoring mechanism of the present invention will bedescribed hereinafter with respect to overhead track systems fordisplacing a person, it is to be understood that the anchoring mechanismmay be used in the context of overhead track support systems for thedisplacement of other types of loads as well as for merely supportingobjects which are not necessarily to be intended to be (regularly)displaced along a track.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention in accordance with an aspect provides ahead component for an anchor assembly for mounting a load bearing trackto a hanger component attached to an overhead structure (e.g. a ceilingor ceiling structure),

[0008] said track comprising a rail element and a mounting element, saidmounting element comprising one or more retaining formations, eachretaining formation defining a holding cavity and an (cavity) openingcommunicating with the holding cavity, said holding cavity being sizedlarger than the (cavity) opening communicating therewith,

[0009] the head component comprising a support member and a flarablemember, said flarable member being attached to and flarable from saidsupport member,

[0010] said head component being sized and configured such that saidhead component is able to pass through said (cavity) opening into saidholding cavity wherein the flarable member is able to flare (i.e. toopen or spread) outwardly so as to present a flared formation in theholding cavity sized larger than the cavity opening so as to inhibitwithdrawal of the head component in the holding cavity back through the(cavity) opening.

[0011] In accordance with the present invention the flarable member maytake on any desired or necessary form or configuration, keeping in mindthe purpose thereof, namely, to jam in a holding cavity of a mountingelement for mounting a load bearing track to a hanger component attachedto an overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure).

[0012] In accordance with the present invention a head component asdefined herein may comprise a connection member for releaseablyconnecting the support member to said hanger component.

[0013] The present invention in accordance with another aspect providesan anchor assembly for mounting a load bearing track to an overheadstructure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure),

[0014] said track having a longitudinal extent (i.e. length dimension)and comprising a rail element and a mounting element, said mountingelement comprising one or more retaining formations, each retainingformation defining a holding cavity and an (cavity) openingcommunicating with the holding cavity, said holding cavity being sizedlarger than the (cavity) opening communicating therewith,

[0015] the anchor assembly comprising

[0016] a hanger component (shank) attached to an overhead structure(e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure)

[0017] and

[0018] a head component

[0019] said head component comprising, a support member and a flarablemember, said support member being connected to the hanger component,said flarable member being attached to and flarable from said supportmember,

[0020] said head component being sized and configured such that saidhead component is able to pass through a said (cavity) opening into saidholding cavity wherein the flarable member is able to flare (i.e. toopen or spread outwardly) so as to present a flared formation in theholding cavity sized larger than the (cavity) opening so as to inhibitwithdrawal of the head component in the holding cavity back through theopening.

[0021] In accordance with the present invention an anchor assembly asdefined herein may comprise a lateral stabilization component, saidlateral stabilization component comprising an attachment member (e.g.sleeve opening) connecting the lateral stabilization component to thehanger component, said lateral stabilization component beingdisplaceable between a non-wedging configuration and a lodging orwedging configuration in the opening for inhibiting lateral (i.e.wobble) movement of the mounting element transverse to the longitudinalextent of the track.

[0022] In accordance with a further aspect the present inventionprovides a combination (kit), for mounting a load bearing track to anoverhead structure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure), said loadbearing track having a longitudinal extent and comprising a rail elementand a mounting element, said mounting element comprising one or moreretaining formations, each retaining formation defining a holding cavityand a respective (cavity) opening communicating with the holding cavity,said holding cavity being sized larger than the respective (cavity)opening communicating therewith,

[0023] said combination (kit) comprising

[0024] one or more head components, each head component comprising asupport member and a flarable member attached to and flarable from saidsupport member, said head component being sized and configured such thatsaid head component is able to pass through a respective (cavity)opening into said holding cavity wherein the flarable member is able toflare (i.e. to open or spread outwardly) so as to present a flaredformation in the holding cavity sized larger than the respective(cavity) opening so as to inhibit withdrawal of the head component inthe holding cavity back through said respective (cavity) opening

[0025] and

[0026] one or more members selected from the class consisting of

[0027] a hanger component for attaching a respective head component tothe overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure)

[0028] and

[0029] a section of said load bearing track.

[0030] In accordance with the present invention a combination (kit) asdefined herein may comprise one or more hanger component for attaching arespective head component to the overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling orceiling structure); and/or one or more sections of said load bearingtrack In accordance with the present invention the rail element and saidmounting element may integral; alternatively they may be releaseblyattachable in any suitable (known) manner.

[0031] In accordance with the present invention a mounting element maycomprise one or more retainer formations each defining a discrete(slot-like) opening, i.e. a mounting element may comprise a plurality(i.e. two or more) of discrete (cavity) openings and in particular aplurality (i.e. two or more) of discrete elongated slot-like (cavity)openings. On the other hand a mounting element may comprise an elongatedretainer formation extending the longitudinal extent of the track, saidelongated retainer formation defining a slot-like (cavity) openingextending the longitudinal extent of the track.

[0032] In accordance with the present invention a combination as definedherein may comprise one or more a lateral stabilization components, eachsaid lateral stabilization component comprising an attachment member(i.e. opening) connecting the lateral stabilization component to arespective hanger component, said lateral stabilization component beingdisplaceable between a non-wedging configuration and a lodging orwedging configuration in the slot-like (cavity) opening for inhibitinglateral movement of the mounting element transverse to the longitudinalextent of the track.

[0033] As mentioned above, the flarable member may take on any desiredform or configuration keeping in mind its intended purpose. Thus forexample the flarable member may comprise two or more wing blade or platemembers such as described herein by way of example only.

[0034] In a more particular aspect the present invention provides a headcomponent for an anchor assembly, for mounting a load bearing track to ahanger component attached to an overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling orceiling structure),

[0035] said track comprising a rail element and a mounting element, saidmounting element comprising one or more retaining formations, eachretaining formation defining a holding cavity and a (cavity) openingcommunicating with the holding cavity, said holding cavity being sizedlarger than the opening communicating therewith,

[0036] the head component comprising a support member and a pair ofopposed engagement (i.e. support) wing blade (plate) members, each ofsaid wing blade members being pivotally attached to the support memberby a respective pivot connect member, said head component being sizedand configured such that said head component is able to pass throughsaid opening into said holding cavity wherein each of the wing blademembers are able to pivot outwardly in said holding cavity so as to eachengage the retaining formation to create a respective truss formationwhich acts as a reverse wedge to resist pull out of the head componentfrom the holding cavity through the opening, said truss formation havinga base chord defined by the retaining formation, a side chord defined bythe wing blade member and a center strut defined by the support member.

[0037] In accordance with the present invention a wing blade or platemember may comprise a single unit as described by way example hereinbelow. However, if desired or necessary a wing plate or blade member maycomprise two or more individual sub-units; in this case wing plate orblade member as well as the pivot connect member a respective pivotconnect member must be configured or adapted as necessary keeping inmind the purpose of the wing blade members, i.e. to be able to enter theholding cavity and jam the head component in a holding cavity so as toinhibit removal of the head component back out the (cavity) opening.

[0038] In accordance with the present invention a head component may aor may not be provided with biasing means for biasing the wing blademembers in a flared position. The head component may be provided withstop elements for arresting the rotation of the wing blade membersbeyond a desired or predetermined angle, i.e. the rotation isconstrained between a predetermined range of angular displacement aboutof rotation. If desired the retaining formation may include in theholding cavity members which serve to limit such rotation of the wingblade members, e.g. if no stop members is provided for this purpose,i.e. to facilitate engagement between the portion of the retainingformation defining the (cavity) opening so as to form said trussstructure(s).

[0039] In an additional aspect the present invention provides an anchorassembly, for mounting a load bearing track to an overhead structure(e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure),

[0040] said track having a longitudinal extent (i.e. length dimension)comprising a rail element and a mounting element, said mounting elementcomprising one or more retaining formations, each retaining formationdefining a holding cavity and an (cavity) opening communicating with theholding cavity, said holding cavity being sized larger than the (cavity)opening communicating therewith,

[0041] the anchor assembly comprising

[0042] a hanger component (shank) attached to an overhead structure(e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure)

[0043] and

[0044] a head component

[0045] said head component being as defined above as comprising wingblade (plate) members, said support member being connected to saidhanger component.

[0046] The present invention provide an anchor assembly as definedherein wherein when the (cavity) opening has a slot-like configurationand a longitudinal extent, the anchor assembly further comprises alateral stabilization component,

[0047] said lateral stabilization component comprising a head member,for gripping the lateral stabilization element for the rotation thereof,and an insert member extending from said head member,

[0048] said insert member having a rectangular configuration andcomprising a pair of opposed outer long sides and a pair of opposedouter short sides

[0049] said insert member being configured such that said insert member

[0050] is insertable into the slot-like opening when the long sides ofthe insert member extend parallel to the longitudinal extent of theslot-like opening, and

[0051] is pivotable—rotatable in the slot-like opening with respect tothe longitudinal extent of the opening so as to dispose the long sidesof the insert member transverse to the longitudinal extent of the railsuch that the short sides of the insert member engage the retainingformation defining the slot-like opening so as to (or for) inhibit(ing)lateral (sideways) movement of the mounting element transverse (i.e.movement in a direction transverse (e.g. at right angles—perpendicular))to the longitudinal extent of the track.

[0052] In accordance with the present invention an anchor assembly asdefined herein may be one wherein the hanger component comprises a shankmember having a longitudinal extent, said head and insert members definea sleeve body having a sleeve opening, said shank member extendingthrough said sleeve opening, said sleeve body and said shank memberbeing configured for rotational displacement of the lateralstabilization component about the longitudinal extent of the shankmember (i.e. about the longitudinal axis of the shank member).

[0053] In accordance with the present invention an anchor assembly asdefined herein may be one wherein the insert member comprises a pair ofopposed tab members, each tab member extending from a respective shortside of the insert member, said insert member being configured such thatsaid tab members are insertable through the slot-like (cavity) openinginto the holding cavity, said tab members, said wing blade members andsaid retaining formation being configured such that when the tab membersare in the holding cavity and the short sides of the insert member aremade to engage the retaining formation each wing blade member is engagedby (i.e. sandwiched or pinched between) a respective tab member and theretaining formation.

[0054] In accordance with the present invention an anchor assembly asdefined herein may comprise a compression inducing component for placingthe wing blade members under compression stress between the retainingformation and said pivot connect member.

[0055] In accordance with the present invention an anchor assembly asdefined herein may be one wherein said anchor assembly comprises a pairof opposed base members, each base member projecting from a respectiveside of said support member, a pair of brace members and a pair of cammembers, each brace member comprising a head member and a distalengagement member, each base member being associated with a respectivebrace member and a respective cam member, each base member andrespective brace and cam members being configured such that said headmember is able to abut the outside surface of the portion of theretaining formation defining said opening, said distal engagement memberis able to pivotally—rotationally engage said base member and when saidbrace member is rotated said cam member places said brace member undertension stress so as to urge said pivot connect member to urge said wingblade members connected thereto against the retaining formation andthereby placing the wing blade members under compression stress betweenthe retaining formation and said pivot connect member.

[0056] In accordance with the present invention an anchor assembly asdefined herein may comprise a stabilization component, the stabilizationcomponent comprising a head member, for gripping the stabilizationelement for the rotation thereof, and an insert member extending fromsaid head member,

[0057] the insert member comprising a pair of opposed tab members spacedapart from (e.g. disposed at an end of the insert member distal from theend thereof connected to) the head member,

[0058] said insert member and the opening being configured such thatsaid insert member including said tab members

[0059] is insertable into opening with the tab members extendingparallel to the longitudinal axis-direction of the rail such that saidtab members are insertable through the slot-like opening into theholding cavity, and

[0060] said tab members, said wing blade members and said retainingformation being configured such that when the tab members are in theholding cavity said insert member including said tab members

[0061] is pivotable—rotatable with respect to the longitudinal extent ofthe opening so as to dispose the tab members transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the rail such that each wing blade member isengaged by (i.e. sandwiched between) a respective tab member and theretaining formation.

[0062] In accordance with a further particular aspect the presentinvention provides a combination (kit), for mounting a load bearingtrack to an overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure),said load bearing track having a longitudinal extent and comprising arail element and a mounting element, said mounting element comprisingone or more retaining formations, each retaining formation defining aholding cavity and a respective (cavity) opening communicating with theholding cavity, said holding cavity being sized larger than therespective (cavity) opening communicating therewith,

[0063] said combination (kit) comprising

[0064] one or more head components as comprising (support) wing blade(plate) members,

[0065] and

[0066] one or more members selected from the class consisting of

[0067] a hanger component for attaching a respective head component tothe overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure)

[0068] and

[0069] a section of said load bearing track.

[0070] In accordance with the present invention as desired or necessarya stop element may be provided for limiting the wing blade member(s) toa predetermined degree of rotation relative to the support member, e.g.once the wing blade members are in a holding cavity they may unfoldoutwardly by a predetermined degree of rotation. The head componentitself may for example be provided with such a stop element; the stopelement may comprise a plurality of sub-units, e.g. each wing blademember may be associated with a respective stop element unit. Also byway of example the holding cavity itself may comprise such a stopelement. As a further example both the head component and the holdingcavity may be provided with such stop element units.

[0071] In accordance with the present invention a lateral stabilizationcomponent and/or a brace member may be provided with alignment indicatormembers, the visibility of which from below is indicative of whether ornot a lateral stabilization component or a brace member has beenrotated, i.e. the visibility of the indicator members from below isindicative that a lateral stabilization component or a brace member hasnot been rotated to a locking position as discussed by way of exampleherein; on the other hand if an indicator member is hidden from view bythe track this is indicative that a lateral stabilization component or abrace member has been rotated to a locking position.

[0072] An anchor assembly of the present invention may advantageously beused by a single person for the mounting of a track attachable theretoto a ceiling or other overhead structure since the head component onceinside the holding cavity will already maintain the track in place.

[0073] In drawings which illustrate example embodiments of aspect of thepresent invention:

[0074]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example anchor assembly inaccordance with the present invention:

[0075]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example track mounted to theanchor assembly shown in FIG. 1;

[0076]FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the head component andlateral stabilization component of the an example anchor assembly shownin FIG. 1;

[0077]FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the support member forthe head component shown in FIG. 3;

[0078]FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a wing plate or bladefor the head component shown in FIG. 3;

[0079]FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial sectional view showing the stopelement of the head component shown in FIG. 3;

[0080]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lateral stabilizationcomponent as shown in FIG. 3;

[0081]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example brace member for use aspart of an example of a further type of stabilization component for theanchor assembly as shown in shown in FIG. 1;

[0082]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example hanger componentextending downwardly out of a false ceiling for the anchor assembly asshown in FIG. 1;

[0083]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example hanger componentassociated with an example abutment plate or disc for the anchorassembly as shown in FIG. 1, the hanger component extending downwardlyout of plate attached to the false ceiling;

[0084]FIG. 11 is an additional perspective view of th example anchorassembly shown in FIG. 1:

[0085]FIG. 12 is a schematic partial sectional view illustrating theanchor assembly of FIG. 11 and a track being advanced upwardly towardthe head component;

[0086]FIG. 13 is a schematic partial sectional view illustrating theanchor assembly of FIG. 11 with the head component thereof beingadvanced into the slot opening of the mounting element of the trackshown in FIG. 12;

[0087]FIG. 14 is a schematic partial sectional view illustrating theanchor assembly of FIG. 11 with the head component thereof beingdisposed in the holding cavity of the mounting element of the trackshown in FIG. 12;

[0088]FIG. 15 is a top view of the anchor assembly and track as shown inFIG. 14 with the false ceiling taken away;

[0089]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an example track being mounted tothe anchor assembly shown in FIG. 1;

[0090]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the example track shown in FIG.16 mounted to the anchor assembly shown in FIG. 16;

[0091]FIG. 18 is a perspective view the track and anchor assembly asshown in FIG. 16 associated with turning tool for rotation of thelateral stabilization component;

[0092]FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view as shown in FIG. 18;

[0093]FIG. 20 is a schematic partial sectional view illustrating theanchor assembly as shown in FIG. 19;

[0094]FIG. 21 is the same schematic partial sectional view shown in FIG.20 but wherein the lateral stabilization component has been partiallyrotated for ultimate wedging in the elongated slot opening of themounting element;

[0095]FIG. 22 is the same schematic partial sectional view shown in FIG.20 but wherein the lateral stabilization component has been fullyrotated and is wedged in the elongated slot opening of the mountingelement;

[0096]FIG. 23 is a partial schematic view as shown in FIG. 22 butwherein the head component is provided with bias means for biasing thewing plates in a flared configuration;

[0097]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternate or modified exampleembodiment of the anchor assembly shown in FIG. 1 wherein the anchorassembly may be used to interconnect the ends of two adjacent exampletracks

[0098]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a pair of adjacent example tracksbeing mounted to the anchor assembly shown in FIG. 24;

[0099]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the pair of example tracks shownin FIG. 25 mounted to the anchor assembly shown in FIG. 24;

[0100]FIG. 27 is a top view of the anchor assembly and pair of tracks asshown in FIG. 26 with the false ceiling taken away;

[0101]FIG. 28 is a perspective view the pair of tracks and anchorassembly as shown in FIG. 26 associated with turning tool for rotationof the lateral stabilization component;

[0102]FIG. 29 is a of view from above through the false ceiling of thetrack and anchor assembly as shown in FIG. 28 but wherein one of thetracks is not shown

[0103]FIG. 29a is a schematic partial sectional view along 29 a-29 a ofthe FIG. 29;

[0104]FIG. 30 is the same view as shown in FIG. 29 but wherein the bracemember has been partially rotated for ultimate wedging in the elongatedslot opening of the mounting element

[0105]FIG. 30a is a schematic partial sectional view along 30 a-30 a ofthe FIG. 30;

[0106]FIG. 31 is the same schematic partial sectional view shown in FIG.29 but wherein the brace member has been fully rotated and is wedged inthe elongated slot opening of the mounting;

[0107]FIG. 31 a is a schematic partial sectional view along 31 a-31 a ofthe FIG. 31;

[0108]FIG. 32 is a partial perspective view of an example embodiment ofanother type of track for being mounted with an anchor assembly of thepresent invention;

[0109]FIG. 33 is a schematic partial sectional view of a hangercomponent attached at an upper end to a concrete type overhead supportstructure

[0110]FIG. 34 is a schematic partial sectional view of a hangercomponent attached at an upper end to a girder type overhead supportstructure; and

[0111]FIG. 35 is a schematic partial sectional view of a hangercomponent attached at an upper end to a wood type overhead supportstructure

[0112] Turning to FIGS. 1, 2 and 9, FIG. 1 illustrate, an exampleembodiment of an anchor assembly 1 in accordance with the presentinvention. The anchor assembly 1 comprises a track anchor head componentdesignated generally by the reference numeral 3, a lateral stabilizationcomponent designated generally by the reference numeral 5 and a hangercomponent. Referring to FIG. 9 the hanger component is designatedgenerally by the reference numeral 7. The hanger component 7 comprises athreaded shank or shaft 9. One end (i.e. the upper end) of the shank(not shown) is connected to the ceiling or ceiling structure in anyknown or suitable manner examples of which shall be described in moredetail below; as may also be seen, for illustration purposes FIGS. 1 and9 as well as other figures mentioned herein a portion of a false orsuspended ceiling 11 will be shown. The head component 3 is connected toother or lower end 13 of the threaded shank or shaft 7 and is releasablyheld thereto by a bolt/washer combination, wherein the bolt isdesignated by the reference numeral 14 and the washer by the referencenumeral 15.

[0113]FIG. 2 shows the anchor assembly 1 of FIG. 1 associated with atrack 17 the side walls of which are partially cut away so as to showthe C-shaped cross section of the mounting element 19 and the lower railelement 21 as well as the disposition of the head component 3 in theholding cavity 23 a of the mounting element 19 of the track 17 For theexample track 17 shown, the mounting element 19 is integral with therail element 21 and each as mentioned above are of C-shaped crosssection. Referring also to FIGS. 12 to 18, the side walls 23 and 24 ofthe mounting element 19 function as an elongated retaining formation inthat they define the elongated holding cavity 23 a and an elongated slot(cavity) opening 25; more particularly the side walls 23 and 24 havefree edge portions 27 and 29 which are bent inwardly towards each otherand are spaced apart so as to define said elongated slot (cavity)opening 25. As may be seen (for example from FIG. 12) the holding cavity23 a defines a space which is larger or wider in extent than theelongated slot (cavity) opening 25, i.e. the width of the cavity 23 a islarger than the space or distance between the free edge portions 27 and29 defining the slot (cavity) opening 25. The rail element may be usedto engage a displaceable trolley component such as is described in U.S.Pat. No. 6,085,368.

[0114] Turning to FIGS. 3 to 6, these Figures illustrate the headcomponent 3, and more particularly its support member 31 and itsflarable member 33. FIG. 3 also shows the head component in associationwith the example lateral stabilization component 5 which shall bedescribed below in more detail.

[0115] The flarable member 33 comprises a pair of opposed engagementwing blades or plates 35 and 36, each wing blade or plate 35 and 36being pivotally attached to the support member 31 by a respective twopart pivot connect member on a side of the support member 31 opposite tothe other wing plate member. As may be seen from FIG. 5 each of the wingplates 35, 36 comprises a wing body 38 from which a pair of spaced apartfoot elements 40 and 42 extend; the wing body 38 and foot elements 40,42 give the wing plate a generally U-shaped appearance. A pivot pin ortoe element 44 extends outwardly from each foot element 40, 42. As maybe seen from FIG. 4, the pivot connect member for wing plate 35comprises a pair of opposed pin or toe openings 46 for pivotallyengaging a respective pin or toe element 44 of the wing blade or plate35 (see also FIG. 3 which shows the pin or toe element 44 disposed in arespective pin or toe opening 46); the openings 46 are each defined byan upper projection and a lower stop element 48 or 50.

[0116] The pivot connect member for wing plate 35 as mentioned alsoincludes, adjacent each pin opening, an angled stop element 48 or 50;the stop elements 48, 50 are configured and angled so as to be able toengage a respective foot element 40, 42 so as to allow the wing plate 35to only be able to pivot up to a predetermined rotational angle α asshown in FIG. 6 with respect to the support member 31, i.e. the wingplate 35 is only able to fold outwardly and inwardly within apredetermined degree of rotation relative to the support member 31. Theangle α is of course to be chosen keeping in mind the purpose of thewing plates, i.e. to participate in the provision of a truss structureas described herein (e.g. the rotational angle α may be from about 0 toabout 30 degrees or less).

[0117] For the retaining structure set forth in the figures the stopelements 48, 50 may if desired be configured for a greater degree (e.g.an angle α of from about 0 to about 45 degrees or less) or lesser degree(e.g. an angle α of from about 0 to about 25 degrees or less) ofrotation of the wing plate 35 or even be dispensed with entirelyprovided that a lower support element is maintained for defining thelower portion of the pin openings 46. In the absence of the stopelements the wing plate 35 will be free to rotate to a greater degree;however, in such case the mounting of a track 17 to such a headcomponent 3 will require more manipulation by an installer since theinstaller will have to manually configure the wing plate 35 dispositionfor insertion of the head component 3 through the (cavity) opening 25 ofa mounting element 19. On the other hand if the width dimension of theholding cavity is larger than the unfolded (horizontal) extent of a wingblade member, the retaining formation should be configured to includeone or more blocking members which are so disposed so as to maintain thewing blade members in an upwardly extending configuration in the holdingcavity such as set forth in the figures whereby the ends of the wingblade member may act on the upper free edge portions of the to create atruss structure. Such a blocking structure may alternatively beincorporated or associated with a wing member itself. In any event, thepurpose of the wing blade members should always be kept in mind as wellas their ability to fold up for passage through the (cavity) opening 25or any other opening which may be used by a mounting element and once inthe holding cavity to fold outwardly a sufficient degree so as toparticipate in the provision of a truss structure as described herein.The other wing plate or blade 36 and its respective pivot connect member(hidden from view) are of the same construction described above withrespect to the wing plate 35 and its pivot connect member.

[0118] The central portion 52 of the support member 31 which separatesthe stop elements 48, 50 defines a recessed space 54 and is providedwith an attachment opening 56 (i.e. a connection member) for receivingthe end 13 of the threaded shank. The attachment opening 56 communicateswith the recessed space 54; the so defined recessed structure is to actas a recessed seat for receiving the bolt/washer combination 14/15 whenthe bolt 14 thereof is threaded to the end 13 of the shank passingthrough the attachment opening 56 for releasably attaching the supportmember 31 to the lower end 13 of the shank (i.e. to the hangercomponent) (see FIG. 1).

[0119] Turning to FIG. 7 (as well as FIG. 2), an example embodiment of alateral stabilization component 5 is illustrated. The lateralstabilization component 5 has an attachment member which in theembodiment shown comprises a sleeve opening 58. More particularly, thelateral stabilization component 5 comprises a head member 60, forgripping the lateral stabilization element for the rotation thereof, andan insert member 62 extending from the head member 60; i.e. the head andinsert members define a sleeve body which defines the above mentionedsleeve opening 58.

[0120] The sleeve opening 58 is used for connecting the lateralstabilization component 5 to the hanger component (i.e. to end 13 of theshank). The lateral stabilization component 5 as shall be discussed inmore detail below is displaceable about the shank between a non-wedgingconfiguration and a lodging or wedging configuration in the slot like(cavity) opening 25 of the mounting element 19 for inhibiting lateral(i.e. wobble) movement of the mounting element 19 transverse to thelongitudinal extent of the track 17.

[0121] The insert member 62 has a rectangular configuration andcomprises a pair of opposed outer long sides 54 and a pair of opposedouter short sides 66. Diagonally opposed corners 68 of the insert member62 are beveled or rounded to facilitate rotation of the insert member 62in the mounting element (cavity) opening 25 as shall be discussed below.The insert member 62 shown also comprises a pair of opposed tab members70, each tab member 70 extending from a respective short side 66 of theinsert member 62. Each tab member 70 is spaced apart from a respectiveopposite portion of the head member 60, by a portion of the insertmember 62 so as to define an open ended U-shaped like structure. TheU-shaped like structure is configured such that when the insert member62 is in the above mentioned wedging configuration in the slot like(cavity) opening 25, a respective free edge portion 27 (or 29) extendsinto the opening of the U-shaped like structure such that not only doesthe short side 66 of the insert member 62 embrace (i.e. engages) therespective free edge portion 27 (or 29) but so does the tab member 70and the opposed portion of the head member (see for example FIGS. 22 and23). Alternatively, if desired or necessary, the tab member and theopposed portion of the head member may be so spaced apart that one orboth of them is not able to embrace the above mentioned respective freeedge portion 27 (or 29). Furthermore as the tab members 70 are rotatedfrom their initial in-line position (i.e. in-line with the longitudinalextent of the slot (cavity) opening 25) into their final transverseposition they will tend to urge the wing plates 35, 36 apart to ensurethat the upper edges 71 of the wing plates 35, 36 extend well into theholding cavity 23 a under respective free edge portions 27 (or 29) ofthe retaining formation (see FIG. 23).

[0122] The anchor assembly 1 of course may comprise one or more otherstabilization components which are of different or similar configurationto the lateral stabilization component 5 described above; such differentstabilization component 5 may be used in place of the lateralstabilization component described above or, as shall be describedherein, in addition thereto. Such other stabilization components maythus, for example, provide the above mentioned wedging function as wellas a clamping function (as discussed below); alternatively the otherstabilization components instead of providing both of such functions mayonly provide one of them, e.g. the clamping function. The clampingfunction may, in particular, be exploited to provide the anchor assemblywith a track interconnection ability, i.e. the anchor assembly may beused to interconnect adjacent tracks 17, as shall be explained below,wherein each track 17 has an end retaining formation of C-shapedcross-section disposed at an end of the rail thereof, the ends of thearms of the C-shape defining a first slot-like (cavity) opening 25, theend retaining formation further defining at the end of the mountingelement 19 a respective end C-shaped opening communicating with saidholding cavity 23 a. A suitably configured anchor assembly may thusfurther acti as a track interconnection component for interconnectingrespective end retaining formations of two tracks 17, the ends of therails thereof being juxtaposed (see for example FIG. 26).

[0123] Such an alternate stabilization component may exploit a bracemember 75 as illustrated in FIG. 8. If so, the support member 31 may asillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, also or in the alterative be associatedwith a pair of base members 77 and 79 which are connected to the supportmember 31 on opposite sides thereof. The base members 77 and 79 are eachintended to cooperate with a respective brace member 75 for (releasably)urging the pivot connect member(s) to urge the wing blades 35, 36connected thereto against the retaining formation and thereby placingthe wing blades 35, 36 under compression stress between the retainingformation and said pivot connect member (i.e. to provide a type ofclamping action wherein the retaining formation is sandwiched betweenthe brace members 75 and the wing plates 35, 36).

[0124] Referring back to FIG. 8 each brace member 75 comprises a headmember 81, for gripping the connector member for the rotation thereof,an intermediate member 83 and a distal (i.e. foot) engagement member 85which is connected to the intermediate member 83 by a stem member 87;the distal (i.e. foot) engagement member 85 has a longitudinal extent,i.e. it has a rectangle-like shape with rounded corners 89.

[0125] As may be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, each base member 77 (and 79) hasa primary opening or cavity 91 which extends longitudinally more or lessparallel to the attachment opening, 56 the cross section of the primaryopening 91 has a shape complementary to the shape of the foot engagementmember 85 such that the longitudinal extent thereof is parallel to thelongitudinal extent of the support member 31 (i.e. both extend along theaxis designated by the reference numeral 93 in FIGS. 3 and 4). Theintermediate member 83 is sized larger than the mouth of the primaryopening 91. On the other hand the foot member 85 when its longitudinalextent is aligned or lined up with the longitudinal extent of thesupport member 31 (see axis 93) is sized and configured so as to be ableto enter the primary opening 91 just sufficiently to be disposedadjacent opposed cam openings 95. The side walls defining a primaryopening 91 also define the opposed cam openings or slots 95; i.e. eachprimary opening 91 is associated with a pair of opposed cam openings 95.The cam openings 95 are configured for receiving the above mentioned(i.e. foot) engagement member 85. The cam openings 95 are each wider atone side thereof but with the narrow portion of one cam slot beingopposite the wider portion of the opposed cam slot, i.e. referring tocam slot 95 for base member 77 the shown slot 95 gradually narrows downfrom side 97 to the other side 99.

[0126] The upper engagement surfaces 100 of the opposed cam slots 95thus can act as an overall cam surface for urging a downwarddisplacement of the (i.e. foot) engagement member 85 when the footengagement member 85 is rotated such that its longitudinal extent istransvers to the longitudinal extent of the support member, (i.e.transverse to the axis 93 in FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0127] Returning to FIG. 8 each brace member 75 as illustratedadditionally is provided with an insert member 101 extending from thehead member 81 so as to be between the intermediate member 83 and thehead member 81. The insert member 101 for the brace member 75 has thesame configuration as the insert member 62 for lateral stabilizationcomponent 5 described above (see FIG. 7); the insert member 101 for thebrace member 75 thus also has a rectangular configuration and comprisesa pair of opposed outer long sides, a pair of opposed outer short sidesas well as a pair of diagonally opposed round corners. Thus, the insertmember 101 for the brace member 75 can provide for the same sort oflateral stability as that of the lateral stabilization component 5.According to an alternative embodiment, the insert member 101 for thebrace member 75 may, on the other hand, be sized and configured topresent a body smaller than the slot (cavity) opening 25 of the mountingelement 19 such that rotation of the brace member 75 does not bringabout a wedging of its insert member 101 in the slot (cavity) opening25.

[0128] The head members 60 and 81 for the lateral stabilizationcomponent 5 and the brace members 75 are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 as beingprovided with gripping wings 102 for being gripped by the fingers of aninstaller for rotation of thereof; these wings 102, if present, may alsoserve as indicators that the associated lateral stabilization component5 or brace member 75 has or has not been rotated into a lockingconfiguration, i.e. namely, if the wings 120 are aligned as shown inFIG. 29 so as to be visible from below then there is no wedging but ifthe wings are aligned as shown in FIG. 31 so as to be hidden from viewfrom below then an insert member is wedged in the slot (cavity) opening25 as discussed herein. The gripping wings 102 may alternatively bedispensed with in which case rotation may be solely induced by that useof a suitable tool such as the wrench like tool shown in FIGS. 18 and19.

[0129] The FIGS. 9 to 15 show the steps for the formation of the anchorassembly 1 i.e. the installation or connection of various elements ofthe anchor assembly to the shank which has been previously connected tothe ceiling overhead structure. As may be seen the shank projects out ofthe surface of a false ceiling 11 (FIG. 9); see below for variousconnection type for the shank to a ceiling or ceiling structure. Asshown in FIG. 10, a disc shaped abutment plate 104 having a centralopening through which the shank extends may first be attached to theceiling surface (e.g. by any suitable known attachment means e.g.screws); i.e. the shank is slipped through the central opening of thedisc and the disc is placed against the ceiling surface where afterscrews (not shown) are then passed through screw openings (not shown) inthe plate and screwed in place so as to secure the disc up against theceiling surface.

[0130] Turning to FIG. 11, a head component 3 associated with a lateralstabilization component 5 (as shown in FIG. 3) is slipped onto the end13 of the shank i.e. the end 13 of the shank is passed through thesleeve opening 58 of the stabilization component 5 and then through theattachment opening 56 of the support member 31 whereupon the bolt/washercombination 14/15 is attached to the end 13 of the shank, i.e. the bolt14 is screwed onto the end 13 of the shank with the washer 14 previouslyset in place about the shank Once the head component 3 is attached tothe shank, the anchor assembly 1 is as shown in FIG. 11; in thisconfiguration the lateral stabilization component 5 abuts the supportmember 3 as well as the disc plate 104 but is still able to be rotatedabout the shank.

[0131] Alternatively, the head component 3 may also be associated with apair of brace members 75 so as to provide an anchor assembly 106 (seeFIG. 24) with the above mentioned other stabilization component(s).

[0132] Turning to FIGS. 12 to 15, these figures illustrate the mountingof a track to the anchor assembly shown in FIG. 11. The track comprisesa mounting element and a rail element each of which as mentioned aboveis of C-shaped cross section. The side walls of the mounting elementfunction also as mentioned above, as an elongated retaining formation inthat they define an elongated holding cavity and an elongated slotopening; more particularly the side walls have free edge portions whichare bent inwardly towards each other and are spaced apart so as todefine said elongated slot (cavity) opening. As may be seen the holdingcavity defines a space which is larger in extent than the elongated slotopening, i.e. the width of the cavity is larger the space or distancebetween the free edge portions defining the slot (cavity) opening.

[0133] As may be understood from the FIGS. 12 to 15, the head component3 is sized and configured such that the head component 3, when itslongitudinal extent is placed parallel to the longitudinal extent of theelongated slot (cavity) opening, is able to pass through slot (cavity)opening 25 into the holding cavity 23 a wherein the flarable member(i.e. wing plates 35, 36) is able to flare (i.e. to open or spreadoutwardly) so as to present a flared formation in the holding cavity 23a sized larger than the (cavity) opening 25 so as to inhibit withdrawalof the head component 3 in the holding cavity 23 a back through the(cavity) opening 25

[0134] More particularly, FIGS. 12 to 15 show the progressive insertionof the head component 3 through the slot (cavity) opening 25 into theholding cavity 23 a and the ultimate disposition of the head component 3in the holding cavity 23 a of the mounting element 19 of the track 17.Thus FIG. 12 shows the head component 3 with its longitudinal extentlined up with the longitudinal extent of the slot (cavity) opening 25.As the slot opening 25 is displaced upwardly in the direction of thearrow 108 towards the head component 3, the wing plates 35, 36 thereofeventually impinge upon the free edge portions 27, 29 defining the slotopening 25 and are displaced inwardly in the direction of the arrows110. As the wings plates 35 and 36 are folded up the head component 3 asseen in FIG. 13 proceeds through the slot (cavity) opening 25. As shownin FIG. 14 once the ends 71 of the wing plates 35, 36 have cleared thefree edge portions 27, 29 (i.e. are below the free edge portions 27, 29)and are in the holding cavity 23 a they will tend to fall outwardly(under gravity) to present a flared formation in the holding cavity 23 alarger than the slot (cavity) opening 25.

[0135] As may be understood from FIGS. 12 to 15 the head component 3 issized and configured such that the head component 3 is able to passthrough the slot (cavity) opening 25 into the holding cavity 23 awherein each of the wing blades 35, 36 are able to pivot outwardly insaid holding cavity 23 a so as to each engage the retaining formation tocreate a respective truss-like formation which acts as a reverse wedgeto resist pull out of the head component from the holding cavity throughthe opening; the truss-like formation comprises an assemblage of membersarranged in a triangle or combination of triangles to form a rigidframework. Thus referring to FIG. 15 each of the truss-like formationshas a base chord defined more or less by a respective free edge portion27, 29 of the retaining formation, a side chord defined by the wingblade 35, 36 and a center strut defined by the support member 31.

[0136]FIGS. 16 and 17 are perspective views illustrating the insertionof the head component 3 through the slot (cavity) opening 25 into theholding cavity 23 a as shown above in FIGS. 12 to 14

[0137] With the head component 3 in the holding cavity 23 a, themounting element 19 (and thus the track 17 as a whole) may still wobblelaterally along its longitudinal extent (in the direction of the arrows109) about the head component 3 (see FIG. 19). Accordingly, it isdesirable to inhibit such movement and recourse for this purpose may bemade to the lateral stabilization element.

[0138] Thus referring to FIGS. 18 to 22, these Figures show the rotationof the lateral stabilization element 5 by the tool 110 (which grips thehead member 3) from an initial in longitudinally in-line position (seeFIGS. 18 to 20) to an intermediate transverse position (FIG. 21) to thefinal more or less perpendicular disposition shown in FIG. 22. As mayfurther be seen from FIGS. 20 to 22 as the tab members are rotated fromtheir initial in-line position (i.e. in-line with the longitudinalextent of the slot opening) into their final transverse position theywill tend to urge the wing plates 35, 36 apart to ensure that the upperedges 71 of the wing plates 35, 36 extend well into the holding cavity23 a under respective free edge portions 27, 29 of the retainingformation.

[0139] As may be understood from FIGS. 20 to 22, the head member 60 ofthe lateral stabilization element 5 is configured for being gripped bythe tool 110 for the rotation of the lateral stabilization element 5 bythe tool 110; rotation is in the direction of lowest resistance asprovided by the diagonally rounded corners 68. The head member 60 issized in longitudinal extent larger than the width of slot-like opening25. The tool 110 has jaws which define an opening of shape complementaryto the shape of the head component 3.

[0140] The insert member 62 also as may be seen from FIGS. 19 to 22 isconfigured such that the insert member 62

[0141] is insertable into the slot-like (cavity) opening 25 when thelong sides 64 of the insert member extend parallel to the longitudinalextent (axis 112) of the slot-like (cavity) opening 25, and

[0142] is pivotable (i.e. rotatable) in the slot-like (cavity) opening25 with respect to the longitudinal extent of the (cavity) opening 25 soas to dispose the long sides 64 of the insert member transverse to thelongitudinal extent of the (cavity) opening 25 such that the short sides66 of the insert member 62 engage the retaining formation defining theslot-like opening 25 (i.e. the free edge portions 27, 29 thereof) so asto (or for) inhibit(ing) lateral (sideways) movement of the mountingelement 19 transverse (i.e. movement in a direction transverse (e.g. atright angles—perpendicular)) to the longitudinal extent of the track 17.

[0143] The insert member 62 as mentioned includes tab members 70. thetab members 70 are configured such that the tab members 70 are alsoinsertable through the slot-like (cavity) opening 25 into the holdingcavity 23 a. The tab members 70, the wing blades 35, 36 and theretaining formation are configured such that when the tab members 70 arein the holding cavity 23 a and the short sides 66 of the insert member62 have been made to engage the free edge portions 27, 29 of theretaining formation, each wing blade 35, 36 is engaged by (i.e.sandwiched between) a respective tab member 70 and the retainingformation

[0144] Although the above mentioned insert member 62 for the lateralstabilization component 5 is shown as being sized to wedge in theslot-like opening, the insert member 62 may, in an alternate embodiment,be sized smaller than the slot like opening 25. In this case the tabmembers 70 alone may not only serve to (if necessary) push apart andmaintain the wing blades 35, 36 apart but also to engage the wing blade35, 36 against the retaining formation (e.g. mounting element sidewalls) so as to (or for) inhibit(ing) lateral (sideways) movement of themounting element 19 transverse (i.e. movement in a direction transverse(e.g. at right angles—perpendicular)) to the longitudinal extent of thetrack 17 i.e. to act as a stabilization component

[0145]FIG. 23 illustrates a modified version of the example embodimentof the head component 3 shown in FIG. 3. The head component shown inFIG. 23 is the same as that shown in FIG. 3 except that the embodimentin FIG. 23 includes a pair of bias springs 115; the bias springs 115 areconfigured so as to tend to urge the wing plates 35, 36 to remain in theflared position but are so chosen that they do not interfere with thefolding back of the wing plates 35, 36 as the head component is forcedinto the holding cavity 23 a through the slot (cavity) opening 25.

[0146] Turning to FIGS. 24 to 27, these Figures illustrate the mountingof the adjacent ends of a pair of the tracks 17 (i.e. tracks 17 asdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 12 to 14) using the alternateanchor assembly embodiment shown in FIG. 24; the embodiment being thesame as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 11 except that the assembly includes apair of brace members 75 as shown in FIG. 8. Initially the mountingprocess is the same as that discussed above with respect to FIGS. 12 to14 and 20 to 22, i.e. the same steps are followed so as to wedge theinsert member 62 of the lateral stabilization component 5 into the slotopening 25.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 27, 29a, 30 a and 31 a, each brace member 75is associated with a respective base member 77, 79. As mentioned above,each brace member 75 has a head member 81, an insert member 101, anintermediate member 83, a stem member 87 and a distal or foot engagementmember 85.

[0148]FIGS. 26, 27 and 29 show each of the brace members 75 in theinitial mounting configuration wherein the members such as the insertmember 101 as well as the foot member 85 have their longitudinal extentsaligned or lined up (i.e. in-line) with the longitudinal extent of thesupport member (see axis 112). Thus each foot member 85 is adjacent arespective pair of cam openings 95. As may be understood each bracemember 75 and respective base member 77, 79 (including a respective cammember comprising paired slots 95) are configured such that the headmember 81 of the brace member 75 is rotatable from the in-line positionshown in the FIGS. 26, 27 and 29 to the transverse position (as shown inFIG. 31a). During such rotation the head member 81 is able to be broughtinto abutment with the outside surface of the portion of the free edgeportions 27, 29 of the retaining formation defining the slot (cavity)opening 25. On the other hand, during such rotation the longitudinallyopposed ends of the the distal or foot engagement member 85 are eachable to be pivotally (i.e. rotationally) inserted into a respective camopening 95 so as to engage the upper cam surfaces 100 thereof. As thefoot members 85 are disposed transverse to the axis 112 the brace member75 acts against the upper cam surfaces 100 tending to place the stemmember 87, etc. under tension stress. This tension stress act upon thesupport member 31 and connected pivot member(s) so as to urge the pivotmember(s) to in turn urge the wing blades 35, 36 (not shown in FIGS.29a, 30 a and 31 a) connected thereto against the retaining formationand thereby placing the wing blades 35, 36 under compression stress (indirection of the arrows 122) between the retaining formation and thepivot connect member(s) (i.e. the wing blades 35, 36 are sandwiched orclamped between the retaining formation and said pivot connectmember(s).

[0149] Referring more particularly to FIGS. 28, 29, 29 a, 30, 30 a, 31and 31 a these figures illustrate the rotation of the brace member 75 bythe same type tool 110 used for rotation of the lateral stabilizationcomponent 5 (which grips the head member) from an initial inlongitudinally in-line position (see FIG. 29a) to an intermediatetransverse position (FIG. 30a) to the final more or less perpendicularor transverse disposition shown in FIG. 31a. As discussed above, as thedistal or foot engagement members 85 are rotated from their initialin-line position (i.e. in-line with the longitudinal extent of thesupport member) into their final transverse position in the cam openings95, they will tend to urge the support member 31 to urge the pivotmembers to in turn urge the upper edges 71 of the wing plates 35, 36against the respective free edge portions 27, 29 of the retainingformation, i.e. sandwich or pinch the free edge portions 27, 29 betweenthe head member 81 thereof and the wing plates 35, 36.

[0150] The example embodiments of the anchor assembly have beendiscussed above by way of example with respect to a track 17 having anelongated slot (cavity) opening 25 extending the longitudinal lengththereof. A track may of course be provide with any other suitable typeof mounting element which provides suitable (cavity) opening(s) andholding cavities for mounting purpose; thus FIG. 32 shows anotherexample embodiment of a track wherein the mounting element has aretaining formation structure that provides a plurality (i.e. one ormore, e.g. two or more) of distinct elongated (cavity openings) 130.

[0151] Turning to FIGS. 33, 34 and 35, these figures illustrate examplefor attaching an elongated stem of a shank projecting out of a falseceiling 11 to an upper (ceiling) support structure. FIG. 33 shows theupper end of the stem 135 being attached to a concrete structure 137;the attachment may be by any known mechanism e.g. by a screw anchordisposed in a hole in the concrete surface, the end of the stem beingprovided with screw threads for being threaded into the anchor 136 so asto compress the anchor 136 against the hole wall. FIG. 34 shows a stem135 being attached to a steel girder 140 by a bolt/washer combination142, the end of the stem being provided with screw threads forengagement with corresponding threads of the bolt. FIG. 35 shows thestem 135 being attached to a wood beam 144, the end of the stem 135having a screw configuration for being screwed directly into the woodbeam 144 or into a starter hole initially drilled therein.

We claim:
 1. A head component for an anchor assembly for mounting a loadbearing track to a hanger component attached to an overhead structure(e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure), said track comprising a railelement and a mounting element, said mounting element comprising one ormore retaining formations, each retaining formation defining a holdingcavity and an (cavity) opening communicating with the holding cavity,said holding cavity being sized larger than the (cavity) openingcommunicating therewith, the head component comprising a support memberand a flarable member, said flarable member being attached to andflarable from said support member, said head component being sized andconfigured such that said head component is able to pass through said(cavity) opening into said holding cavity wherein the flarable member isable to flare (i.e. to open or spread) outwardly so as to present aflared formation in the holding cavity sized larger than the cavityopening so as to inhibit withdrawal of the head component in the holdingcavity back through the (cavity) opening.
 2. A head component as definedin claim 1 comprising a connection member for releaseably connecting thesupport member to said hanger component.
 3. An anchor assembly formounting a load bearing track to an overhead structure (e.g. a ceilingor ceiling structure), said track having a longitudinal extent (i.e.length dimension) and comprising a rail element and a mounting element,said mounting element comprising one or more retaining formations, eachretaining formation defining a holding cavity and an (cavity) openingcommunicating with the holding cavity, said holding cavity being sizedlarger than the (cavity) opening communicating therewith, the anchorassembly comprising a hanger component (shank) attached to an overheadstructure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure) and a head componentsaid head component comprising, a support member and a flarable member,said support member being connected to the hanger component, saidflarable member being attached to and flarable from said support member,said head component being sized and configured such that said headcomponent is able to pass through a said (cavity) opening into saidholding cavity wherein the flarable member is able to flare (i.e. toopen or spread outwardly) so as to present a flared formation in theholding cavity sized larger than the (cavity) opening so as to inhibitwithdrawal of the head component in the holding cavity back through theopening.
 4. An anchor assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein said headcomponent comprises a connection member for releaseably connecting thesupport member to said hanger component.
 5. An anchor assembly asdefined in claim 3 comprising a lateral stabilization component, saidlateral stabilization component comprising an attachment member (e.g.sleeve opening) connecting the lateral stabilization component to thehanger component, said lateral stabilization component beingdisplaceable between a non-wedging configuration and a lodging orwedging configuration in the opening for inhibiting lateral (i.e.wobble) movement of the mounting element transverse to the longitudinalextent of the track.
 6. A combination (kit), for mounting a load bearingtrack to an overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure),said load bearing track having a longitudinal extent and comprising arail element and a mounting element, said mounting element comprisingone or more retaining formations, each retaining formation defining aholding cavity and a respective (cavity) opening communicating with theholding cavity, said holding cavity being sized larger than therespective (cavity) opening communicating therewith, said combination(kit) comprising one or more head components, each head componentcomprising a support member and a flarable member attached to andflarable from said support member, said head component being sized andconfigured such that said head component is able to pass through arespective (cavity) opening into said holding cavity wherein theflarable member is able to flare (i.e. to open or spread outwardly) soas to present a flared formation in the holding cavity sized larger thanthe respective (cavity) opening so as to inhibit withdrawal of the headcomponent in the holding cavity back through said respective (cavity)opening and one or more members selected from the class consisting of ahanger component for attaching a respective head component to theoverhead structure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure) and a sectionof said load bearing track.
 7. A combination (kit) as defined in claim 6wherein each head component comprises a connection member for(releaseably) connecting the support member to a respective hangercomponent.
 8. A combination (kit) as defined in claim 6 comprising oneor more hanger component for attaching a respective head component tothe overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure)
 9. Acombination (kit) as defined in claim 6 comprising one or more sectionsof said load bearing track
 10. A combination (kit) as defined in claim 9wherein said rail element and said mounting element are integral.
 11. Acombination (kit) as defined in claim 6 comprising one or more hangercomponents for attaching a respective head component to the overheadstructure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure) and one or more sectionsof said load bearing track
 12. A combination (kit) as defined in claim11 wherein said rail element and said mounting element are integral. 13.A combination (kit) as defined in claim 12 wherein said mounting elementcomprises an elongated retainer formation extending the longitudinalextent of the track, said elongated retainer formation defining aslot-like (cavity) opening extending the longitudinal extent of thetrack.
 14. A combination as defined in claim 6 comprising one or more alateral stabilization components, each said lateral stabilizationcomponent comprising an attachment member (i.e. opening) connecting thelateral stabilization component to a respective hanger component, saidlateral stabilization component being displaceable between a non-wedgingconfiguration and a lodging or wedging configuration in the slot-like(cavity) opening for inhibiting lateral movement of the mounting elementtransverse to the longitudinal extent of the track.
 15. A combination(kit) as defined in claim 6 wherein said one or more retainer formationseach define a slot-like opening.
 16. A head component for an anchorassembly, for mounting a load bearing track to a hanger componentattached to an overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure),said track comprising a rail element and a mounting element, saidmounting element comprising one or more retaining formations, eachretaining formation defining a holding cavity and a (cavity) openingcommunicating with the holding cavity, said holding cavity being sizedlarger than the opening communicating therewith, the head componentcomprising a support member and a pair of opposed engagement wing blade(plate) members, each of said wing blade members being pivotallyattached to the support member by a respective pivot connect member,said head component being sized and configured such that said headcomponent is able to pass through said opening into said holding cavitywherein each of the wing blade members are able to pivot outwardly insaid holding cavity so as to each engage the retaining formation tocreate a respective truss formation which acts as a reverse wedge toresist pull out of the head component from the holding cavity throughthe opening, said truss formation having a base chord defined by theretaining formation, a side chord defined by a respective blade memberand a center strut defined by the support member.
 17. A head componentas defined in claim 16 comprising a connection member for releasablyconnecting the support member to said hanger component.
 18. An anchorassembly, for mounting a load bearing track to an overhead structure(e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure), said track having a longitudinalextent (i.e. length dimension) comprising a rail element and a mountingelement, said mounting element comprising one or more retainingformations, each retaining formation defining a holding cavity and an(cavity) opening communicating with the holding cavity, said holdingcavity being sized larger than the (cavity) opening communicatingtherewith, the anchor assembly comprising a hanger component (shank)attached to an overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure)and a head component said head component being as defined in claim 16,said support member being connected to said hanger component.
 19. Ananchor assembly as defined in claim 18 wherein said head componentcomprises a connection member for releaseably connecting the supportmember to said hanger component.
 20. An anchor assembly as defined inclaim 18 comprising a lateral stabilization component, said lateralstabilization component comprising an attachment member (i.e. opening)connecting the lateral stabilization component to the hanger component,said lateral stabilization component being displaceable between anon-wedging configuration and a lodging or wedging configuration in the(cavity) opening for inhibiting lateral movement of the mounting elementtransverse to the longitudinal extent of the track.
 21. An anchorassembly as defined in claim 18 wherein the (cavity) opening has aslot-like configuration and a longitudinal extent, the anchor assemblyfurther comprising a lateral stabilization component, said lateralstabilization component comprising a head member, for gripping thelateral stabilization element for the rotation thereof, and an insertmember extending from said head member, said insert member having arectangular configuration and comprising a pair of opposed outer longsides and a pair of opposed outer short sides said insert member beingconfigured such that said insert member is insertable into the slot-likeopening when the long sides of the insert member extend parallel to thelongitudinal extent of the slot-like opening, and is pivotable—rotatablein the slot-like opening with respect to the longitudinal extent of theopening so as to dispose the long sides of the insert member transverseto the longitudinal extent of the rail such that the short sides of theinsert member engage the retaining formation defining the slot-likeopening so as to (or for) inhibit(ing) lateral (sideways) movement ofthe mounting element transverse (i.e. movement in a direction transverse(e.g. at right angles—perpendicular)) to the longitudinal extent of thetrack.
 22. An anchor assembly as defined in claim 21 wherein the hangercomponent comprises a shank member having a longitudinal extent, saidhead and insert members define a sleeve body having a sleeve opening,said shank member extending through said sleeve opening, said sleevebody and said shank member being configured for rotational displacementof the lateral stabilization component about the longitudinal extent ofthe shank member (i.e. about the longitudinal axis of the shank member).23. An anchor assembly as defined in claim 21 wherein the insert membercomprises a pair of opposed tab members, each tab member extending froma respective short side of the insert member, said insert member beingconfigured such that said tab members are insertable through theslot-like (cavity) opening into the holding cavity, said tab members,said wing blades and said retaining formation being configured such thatwhen the tab members are in the holding cavity and the short sides ofthe insert member are made to engage the retaining formation each wingblade member is engaged by (i.e. sandwiched or pinched between) arespective tab member and the retaining formation.
 24. An anchorassembly as defined in claim 18 comprising a compression inducingcomponent for placing the wing blade members under compression stressbetween the retaining formation and said pivot connect member.
 25. Ananchor assembly as defined in claim 18 wherein said anchor assemblycomprises a pair of opposed base members, each base member projectingfrom a respective side of said support member, a pair of brace membersand a pair of cam members, each brace member comprising a head memberand a distal engagement member, each base member being associated with arespective brace member and a respective cam member, each base memberand respective brace and cam members being configured such that saidhead member is able to abut the outside surface of the portion of theretaining formation defining said opening, said distal engagement memberis able to pivotally—rotationally engage said base member and when saidbrace member is rotated said cam member places said brace member undertension stress so as to urge said pivot connect member to urge said wingblade members connected thereto against the retaining formation andthereby placing the wing blade members under compression stress betweenthe retaining formation and said pivot connect member.
 26. An anchorassembly as defined in claim 18 comprising a stabilization component,the stabilization component comprising a head member, for gripping thestabilization element for the rotation thereof, and an insert memberextending from said head member, the insert member comprising a pair ofopposed tab members spaced apart from (e.g. disposed at an end of theinsert member distal from the end thereof connected to) the head member,said insert member and the opening being configured such that saidinsert member including said tab members is insertable into opening withthe tab members extending parallel to the longitudinal axis-direction ofthe rail such that said tab members are insertable through the slot-likeopening into the holding cavity, and said tab members, said blademembers and said retaining formation being configured such that when thetab members are in the holding cavity said insert member including saidtab members is pivotable—rotatable with respect to the longitudinalextent of the opening so as to dispose the tab members transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the rail such that each blade member is engaged by(i.e. sandwiched between) a respective tab member and the retainingformation.
 27. A combination (kit), for mounting a load bearing track toan overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling or ceiling structure), said loadbearing track having a longitudinal extent and comprising a rail elementand a mounting element, said mounting element comprising one or moreretaining formations, each retaining formation defining a holding cavityand a respective (cavity) opening communicating with the holding cavity,said holding cavity being sized larger than the respective (cavity)opening communicating therewith, said combination (kit) comprising oneor more head components as defined in claim 16, and one or more membersselected from the class consisting of a hanger component for attaching arespective head component to the overhead structure (e.g. a ceiling orceiling structure) and a section of said load bearing track.
 28. Acombination (kit) as defined in claim 27 wherein each head componentcomprises a connection member for (releaseably) connecting the supportmember to a respective hanger component.
 29. A combination (kit) asdefined in claim 27 comprising one or more hanger component forattaching a respective head component to the overhead structure (e.g. aceiling or ceiling structure).
 30. A combination (kit) as defined inclaim 27 further comprising one or more sections of said load bearingtrack
 31. A combination (kit) as defined in claim 27 wherein said railelement and said mounting element are integral.
 32. A combination (kit)as defined in claim 27 comprising one or more hanger components forattaching a respective head component to the overhead structure (e.g. aceiling or ceiling structure) and one or more sections of said loadbearing track
 33. A combination (kit) as defined in claim 32 whereinsaid rail element and said mounting element are integral.
 34. Acombination (kit) as defined in claim 33 wherein said one or moreretainer formations each define a slot-like opening.
 35. A combination(kit) as defined in claim 33 wherein said mounting element comprises anelongated retainer formation extending the length of the rail element,said elongated retainer formation defining a slot-like opening extendingthe length of the rail element.
 36. A combination (kit) as defined inclaim 27 comprising one or more lateral stabilization component, eachsaid lateral stabilization component comprising an attachment member(i.e. opening) connecting the lateral stabilization component to arespective hanger component, said lateral stabilization component beingdisplaceable between a non-wedging configuration and a lodging orwedging configuration in the (cavity) opening for inhibiting lateralmovement of the mounting element transverse to the longitudinal extentof the track.
 37. A combination (kit) as defined in claim 27 wherein arespective (cavity) opening has a slot-like configuration and alongitudinal extent, said combination comprising one or more lateralstabilization components, each lateral stabilization componentcomprising a head member, for gripping the lateral stabilization elementfor the rotation thereof, and an insert member extending from said headmember, said insert member having a rectangular configuration andcomprising a pair of opposed outer long sides and a pair of opposedouter short sides said insert member configured such that said insertmember is insertable into a respective slot-like (cavity) opening whenthe long sides of the insert member extend parallel to the longitudinalextent of the slot-like (cavity) opening, and is pivotable—rotatable inthe slot-like (cavity) opening with respect to the longitudinal extentof the opening so as to dispose the long sides of the insert membertransverse to the longitudinal extent of the rail such that the shortsides of the insert member engage the retaining formation defining theslot-like (cavity) opening so as to (or for) inhibit(ing) lateral(sideways) movement of the mounting element transverse (i.e. movement ina direction transverse (e.g. at right angles—perpendicular)) to thelongitudinal extent of the track.
 38. A combination (kit) as defined inclaim 37 wherein the hanger component comprises a shank member having alongitudinal extent, said head and insert members defining a sleeve bodyhaving a sleeve opening, said shank member extending through said sleeveopening, said sleeve body and said shank member being configured forrotational displacement of the lateral stabilization component about thelongitudinal extent of the shank member.
 39. A combination (kit) asdefined in claim 37 wherein the insert member comprises a pair ofopposed tab members, each tab member extending from a respective shortside of the insert member, said insert member including said tab membersbeing configured such that said tab members are insertable through theslot-like opening into the holding cavity, said tab members, said blademembers and said retaining formation being configured such that when thetab members are in the holding cavity and the short sides of the insertmember engage the retaining formation each wing blade member is engaged(i.e. sandwiched between) a respective tab member and the retainingformation.
 40. A combination (kit) as defined in claim 27 comprising acompression inducing component for placing the wing blade members undercompression stress between the retaining formation and said pivotconnect member.
 41. A combination (kit) as defined in claim 27comprising two or more brace members, and wherein said support member isconnected to a pair of opposed base members, each base member projectingfrom a respective side of said support member and being associated witha respective cam member, each brace member comprising a head member anda distal engagement member, each base member and respective brace andcam members being configured such that said head member is able to abutthe outside surface of the portion of the retaining formation definingsaid (cavity) opening, said distal engagement member is able topivotally—rotationally engage said base member and when said bracemember is rotated said cam member places said brace member under tensionstress so as to urge said pivot connect member to urge said wing blademembers connected thereto against the retaining formation and therebyplacing the wing blade members under compression stress between theretaining formation and said pivot connect member.
 42. A combination(kit) as defined in claim 27 comprising one or more stabilizationcomponents, each stabilization component comprising a head member, forgripping the stabilization element for the rotation thereof, and aninsert member extending from said head member, the insert membercomprising a pair of opposed tab members spaced apart from (e.g.disposed at an end of the insert member distal from the end thereofconnected to) the head member, said insert member and the opening beingconfigured such that said insert member including said tab members isinsertable into opening with the tab members extending parallel to thelongitudinal axis-direction of the rail such that said tab members areinsertable through the slot-like opening into the holding cavity, andsaid tab members, said wing blade members and said retaining formationbeing configured such that when the tab members are in the holdingcavity said insert member including said tab members ispivotable—rotatable with respect to the longitudinal extent of theopening so as to dispose the tab members transverse to the longitudinalaxis of the rail such that each wing blade member is engaged by (i.e.sandwiched between) a respective tab member and the retaining formation.43. A head component as defined in claim 16 comprising a stop elementfor limiting each of the wing blade members to a predetermined degree ofrotation relative to the support member.
 44. An anchor assembly asdefined in claim 18 wherein said head component comprises a stop elementfor limiting each of the wing blade members to a predetermined degree ofrotation relative to the support member.